How EFCC officials allegedly tortured Lagos clubgoers, forced out naked couple (Punch)
Customers and workers at the Lakers Lounge Hotel and Bar, Ikorodu, Lagos State, have accused officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of subjecting them to torture during a raid on the facility.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the workers were attending to customers at the club when the armed officials invaded the premises around 11.30pm on Friday, June 3.
The officials, who were said to have presented no warrant, also allegedly removed the closed-circuit television in the course of the operation.
They allegedly ordered customers and workers to lie on the floor and beat up those who protested against the raid. Read more
Lagos monarch tasks nation, Yoruba on insecurity (Guardian)
The Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe, Lagos Mainland, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeniyi, has urged all Yoruba and Nigerians to pay more attention to security to prevent another Owo massacre.
Oba Adeniyi, who spoke, at the weekend, while reacting to the unfortunate killing of innocent worshippers at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, said such terrible situation calls for immediate action, as security is not the exclusive responsibility of anyone or group of persons, but all.
The monarch lamented that people now sleep with two eyes open, adding that a situation where people are now being massacred in broad daylight cannot be overlooked.
He dismissed the notion that the Owo attack was the first of its kind in the South-West, recalling the attack on Igangan town in Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State in 2021, where 50 people were reportedly massacred. Read more
Club shooting: IG condemns Burna Boy’s police escorts, orders probe (Punch)
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has condemned the shooting involving the police escorts attached to a musician, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, at Club Cubana on Victoria Island, Lagos State.
This was confirmed in a series of tweets made by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday.
The tweet, titled “Re: Club shooting in Lagos”, read, “The police personnel alleged and identified in the shooting incident at Club Cubana in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, have been taken into custody and are being investigated for their involvement in the incident.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, who describes the circumstances surrounding the incident as unbelievable, has however condemned, in the strongest terms, the unfortunate incident. Read more
Group takes PVC campaign to Somolu, Epe, Ikorodu (Vanguard)
As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, Lagos East Progressive Forum (LEPF) has commenced a robust civic awareness and PVC registration drive with the Lagos East Senators District.
The campaign was initiated, in partnership with the Office of the lawmaker representing the District in National Assembly, Tokunbo Abiru.
According to the convener of LEPF, Abiodun Martins, the campaign which has been taken to streets and communities in all the 5 local governments and 11 LCDAs of the Lagos East District, was geared toward reawakening the people on their civic rights ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Martins, a former President of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Student Union (ULSU) noted that the drive for registration of PVC was motivated by available data on the dearth of PVC in circulation. Read more
Lagos begins cultural village construction (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has commenced the construction of a cultural village at Ijon in Alimosho Local Government Area as part of efforts to promote tourism in the state.
The state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, made this known in a statement on Sunday, adding that the project will replicate past Yoruba culture and heritage in Alimosho and increase the economic growth of the state.
She said, “The idea of the cultural village is to replicate how the Yoruba people used to live in the past before the modern times and as a way of preserving our culture for the younger generation. It is also designed to attract tourists from the diaspora to the state.
“The project will also include a traditional Oba’s palace with a complete Yoruba cultural setting. There will be shrines for the celebrated Yoruba traditional gods like Ogun, Obatala and Sango among others. It will also feature a research centre, a museum for the display of cultural artefacts, and shops for adire makers where visitors can also have their adire materials sown into a boubou while waiting. Read more
2023 election: We’ll mobilise farmers for credible candidate (Nation)
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has said it would mobilise farmers ahead of the 2023 general elections to vote for leaders who will focus properly on the agricultural sector.
AFAN in a statement made available to journalists by its National President, Arc. Kabir Ibrahim, said the association has resolved to vote only candidates who will carry farmers along after the general elections.
He said: “It should be noted that AFAN under Arc. Kabir Ibrahim is mobilising farmers ahead of the 2023 general elections to vote for leaders who will focus properly on the Agricultural sector”.
Speaking on the judgment of the Federal High Court in favour of the factional AFAN chairman, Faruk Rabiu Mudi, Kabir said the judgment has been appealed to and therefore he and his cohorts cannot parade themselves as the President and leaders of AFAN until the pending appeal is dispensed with. Read more
Sabbath Church changes name, abolishes compulsory wearing of white garments (Guardian)
The General Overseer of Our Lord’s Sabbath Mission, Rev. Chigozie Nwaka, has announced the change of name of the church to Our Lord the Saviour Covenant Church.
Nwaka, who made the disclosure at the church’s yearly Feast of Pentecost which was held last week, said: “The change is the hallmark of the transformation, which the church has undergone under his watch as the priest these years.”
The cleric also announced that all documents bearing the former name of the church remain valid, but warned anyone using them to commit crime will be dealt with according to law.
Nwaka also disclosed that such church’s culture like the compulsory wearing of white garments for worship ceases. He added: “Other ritual laws of the Tabernacle will be put in their right perspective to reflect the leading of the Holy Spirit.” Read more
Women, children flee as herdsmen kill 11 Benue youths (Punch)
No fewer than 11 people were killed on Sunday in a renewed attack by suspected herders at Igama community in the Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources in the area said no building was standing in the community as the invaders burnt down all houses.
“The hoodlums, who are Fulani herdsmen, stormed Igama village in the wee hours of today (Sunday) and directed their attack at the youth in the community.
“They allowed the elderly, children and women to run away, while they descended on the youth. As I am talking to you, 11 young men have been killed,” the local, who did not want to be identified, told our correspondent on the phone. Read more
Tanker Inferno: Okowa lauds driver for heroics (Nation)
Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has hailed Ejiro Otarigho, driver of the petroleum tanker that exploded on Saturday at Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, for his uncommon heroism that averted a major disaster.
Okowa, in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, said Otarigho’s bravery and patriotism-propelled risk saved what might have resulted in colossal loss of lives and property.
He expressed deep appreciation to Otarigho for his discretion in steering the burning tanker, laden with petroleum product, away from a densely populated area, at the risk of his life, describing his valour as ‘amazing’.
According to Okowa, this act of bravery and compassion in today’s Nigeria is without equivocation, worthy of commendation and emulation. Read more
Paper denies outing Rebel Wilson amid backlash (BBC)
An Australian newspaper has denied outing actress Rebel Wilson amid a storm of criticism over its reporting of her new relationship with a woman.
On Friday, Wilson said she had found her “Disney princess” as she shared a selfie with her partner on Instagram.
But on Saturday the Sydney Morning Herald revealed it had known about the relationship before it was public and had given Wilson two days to comment.
The Herald denied pressuring Wilson, saying it had “simply asked questions”.
But the paper has faced criticism on social media, with LGBTQ+ campaigners saying it was unacceptable to put pressure on people to come out. Read more
Taylor Swift on making films after ‘All Too Well’: “It would be fantastic to write and direct a feature” (NME)
Taylor Swift surprised fans at the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday (June 11) with a live performance of her track, ‘All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version)’.
The singer was at New York’s Beacon Theatre to discuss her All Too Well short film. The event included a screening of the 15-minute video, as well as an hour-long conversation with Mike Mills where Swift discussed her approach to being a filmmaker.
Swift told the audience how her evolution to directing, producing, writing, and starring in film began with “meddling” with the edits of her music videos, then eventually writing the treatments herself.
The star also spoke to the audience about the premise behind the video, which stars Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien, noting that she had to “give herself permission” to create a film about the “phase of becoming a young woman” at such a “vulnerable” age. Read more
First migrant flight to Rwanda set for take off on Tuesday (Metro)
A Government minister has insisted that a first deportation flight taking refugees to Rwanda will go ahead next week, despite last-ditch attempts to stop it.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said he was comfortable with the policy amid a row about its legality and Prince Charles’ apparent views of it.
Asked earlier today on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge if the Government expects the flight to take off, he said: ‘Yes we do.’
It comes after a High Court ruling on Friday paved the way for a flight to the east African country to go ahead on Tuesday – though an appeal is due to be heard on Monday. Read more
US gun control proposals given cautious welcome (BBC)
US campaigners have welcomed a potential cross-party deal on gun safety reforms but stressed the proposals do not go far enough.
“This is progress even if small,” said David Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida.
Ex-lawmaker Gabrielle Giffords, injured in a 2011 shooting in Arizona, said it was an “important step forward”.
The plans include tougher checks for buyers under the age of 21 and cracking down on illegal gun purchases.
They were announced by a cross-party group of US senators on Sunday. Crucially, the proposals are supported by 10 Republicans, meaning they have the numbers to be voted into law. Read more
Former British soldier Jordan Gatley killed fighting for Ukraine (ITV)
A former British soldier has been shot and killed in Ukraine, his family said.
Jordan Gatley was named in a social media tribute post by his father, who described him as a “hero” who will “forever be in our hearts”.
Dean Gatley said his son had left the British Army in March “to continue his career as a soldier in other areas”.
He went to Ukraine to help “after careful consideration”, his father added, saying that on Friday the family received the “devastating” news of his death. Read more
Squid Game season 2 officially confirmed by Netflix (Metro)
Squid Game might be one of the biggest shows ever to land on Netflix, but some fans think the series should be left alone after it was confirmed season 2 is officially now on the way.
Squid Game dropped on the streaming service last autumn, saw its characters face off in a range of deadly children’s games to compete for a massive cash prize, and soon became an international phenomenon after.
Ever since, fans of the South Korean survival drama series have been desperate to get proper confirmation on a second season.
On Sunday evening, they finally got the news they’d been waiting for, as Netflix revealed there would be more to come. Read more
Police find belongings of missing pair in Brazil (BBC)
Brazilian police have found personal items belonging to missing UK journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira.
The items include Mr Phillips’ boots and a backpack with clothes in, as well as Mr Pereira’s health ID card, a flip-flop, black trousers and boots.
The pair went missing while travelling by boat on a reporting trip in a remote Amazon rainforest on 5 June.
Last week, the police found possible humans remains.
Experts have been analysing the “organic material” found in a river near the town of Atalaia do Norte. Read more
Troost-Ekong, Bonke quit Eagles camp (Punch)
Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Innocent Bonke have been excused from Monday’s (today) 2023 AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe following injuries.
The duo returned to their respective bases in England and France to attend to the injuries they sustained during the international break.
Stand-in Super Eagles captain Troost-Ekong suffered a muscle injury against Sierra Leone last Thursday and couldn’t recover in time for the trip to Morocco.
The Watford player could only feature for 82 minutes before making way for Spain-based Kenneth Omeruo in the 2-1 comeback victory over the Leone Stars in Abuja.
Bonke was injured in the friendly game against Mexico in Dallas on May 28 and was replaced at the break by Katsina United defender Sani Faisal. Read more
StarTimes promises live broadcast of Nigeria vs Sao Tome game (Guardian)
StarTimes has promised to air the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Super Eagles and São Tomé & Príncipe by 2.00 p.m. live and in HD on its World Football channel.
Nigeria kicked off their qualifying campaign on a winning note after coming from behind to defeat the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone 2-1 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Thursday evening. But São Tomé and Príncipe began their qualification campaign on an unimpressive manner, as they lost 5-1 to Guinea-Bissau.
Ex-Nigeria midfielder Henry Nwosu has warned the Super Eagles against underrating Sao Tome and Principe in their next Group A 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Read more
Scandinavian Mixed: Linn Grant becomes first woman to win on DP World Tour after dominant victory (Sky)
Linn Grant has become the first female winner in DP World Tour history after cruising to a dominant nine-stroke victory at the Scandinavian Mixed in Sweden.
The 22-year-old, already a two-time winner on the Ladies European Tour this season, completed the biggest victory of her career at an event where 78 women and 78 men from the DP World Tour play over the same course for one prize fund.
Grant took a two-shot lead into the final day at Halmstad Golf Club and never relinquished control during a special Sunday, birdieing five of her opening six holes on her way to a brilliant bogey-free 64 on home soil.
The Swede ended the week on 24 under, nine ahead of Scotland’s Marc Warren and tournament co-host Henrik Stenson, with Grant’s total some 14 shots better than nearest female challenger Gabriella Cowley. Read more
‘Stupendous’ Steph Curry inspires Golden State Warriors to level NBA Finals with Boston Celtics (Mirror)
Steph Curry scored 43 points for the Golden State Warriors to lead his team to a stunning 107-97 win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, leaving the series level at 2-2.
According to ESPN, Curry became just the fifth guard in NBA history to score 40 points and collect 10 rebounds in an NBA Finals game – joining Magic Johnson and Jerry West as the only point guards to do so. He also went 7-of-14 from three-point range – many of which simply beggared belief – to become the first player to score at least five threes in four successive NBA Finals games.
Klay Thompson regained his shooting form as he scored 18 points for the Warriors, while teammate Andrew Wiggins contributed 17 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. However, this night was all about the masterful Curry – who is averaging 34.3 points in the series.
“Steph has carried us through so many lulls,” said Thompson. “Come game five, we’re going to have to help him out. Asking him to score 43 nightly is ridiculous. Read more
Wolff: Hamilton at risk of pulling out of Canadian GP (F1i)
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Lewis Hamilton may not be fit enough to race in Montreal next week due to the back pain suffered by the Mercedes driver in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Hamilton was seen struggling to exit his car in parc fermé after Sunday’s race in Baku, and then holding his back as he walked away.
The Briton later admitted he was biting down on his teeth, trying to hold on until the checkered flag and overcome his agony after 51 laps of bouncing, bottoming and battering onboard his car around Baku’s track.
Wolff says Hamilton isn’t the only driver physically struggling with the issue, but insists the seven-time world champion is one of the worst affected. Read more
Federer hopes to continue in 2023 (Guardian)
Swiss tennis great Roger Federer said he hopes to recover from his latest knee surgery and get back on the ATP circuit next season.
“How, why and to do what, I don’t yet know, but that would be the idea,” the 20-time Grand Slam title winner and former world number one told Swiss daily Tagesanzeiger in an interview published on Sunday.
Federer, who will be 41 in August, has not played since a quarter-final defeat at Wimbledon almost a year ago and his latest knee surgery was his third in 18 months.
“I myself am curious to see what will follow,” Federer said. “But I have hope, I have already come a long way. I’m not far. The next three or four months will be extremely important.” Read more
Verstappen wins in Azerbaijan as Leclerc retires (BBC)
Max Verstappen won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and took control of the World Championship after an engine failure on Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari.
Leclerc’s second engine-related retirement from the lead in three grands prix leaves him trailing Verstappen by 34 points, despite six pole positions in eight races.
And it continues the impression that Ferrari’s season is falling apart after such a promising start, as Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Sainz also failed to finish following a hydraulic failure.
Verstappen led team-mate Sergio Perez to a Red Bull one-two, as George Russell took third for Mercedes, with team-mate Lewis Hamilton fighting back to finish fourth. Read more